While it's hardly pulling the curtain back on its entire CES 2012 slate of products, Samsung's earliest preview for your AV pleasure is an updated range of HTIB systems and sound bars, as well as two new Audio Docks that support Apple devices as well as its own Galaxy S phones and players. The DA-E750 Audio Dock (pictured above) is the first to include Samsung's "hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology" which it claims raises the bar for mainstream audio products, by delivering the clear sound output of digital combined with the natural sound of a vacuum tube in its preamp. Both docks will play from and charge both Samsung and Apple hardware, as well as stream music wirelessly via AllShare or AirPlay, although the DA-E670 lacks that high end vacuum tube tech.

For your entire home theater needs, the new HT-E6730W 7.1 Blu-ray 3D HTIB features the same vacuum tube tech as the DA-E750, while the HT-E5500W boasts an iPod dock and 3D sound effects.Finally the HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar also produces 3D sound with vertically mounted speakers and comes with its own wirelessly connected subwoofer. One other new feature this year is the "Disc to Digital" integration in the HT-E5500W's Blu-ray player which will give users access to streaming copies of eligible discs just by registering into the player. It sounds like it's powered by Ultraviolet, although we'd expect to hear more about that closer to the show. Check after the break for press releases, and the gallery for a few pics of all this hardware -- if you know anything about Samsung, you know the onslaught has only just begun.

Samsung Audio Docks, HTIB and soundbar

Showcases the first multi-device audio dock with vacuum tube technology and the
industry's first audio dock with extended multi-device compatibility

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., January 3, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today debuted a new line of audio dock systems that feature breakthrough innovation for rich sound qualities comparable to premium audio systems. These audio dock systems are also stylishly designed to complement any room in the home:

· Samsung's Audio Dock for Galaxy S and Apple devices – a sophisticated system that combines functionality with harmonized design for a crystal clear audio experience along with connectivity to both Samsung and Apple devices (model DA-E670).

These new audio docks will be on display at Samsung's booth #12004 in the Central Hall at the 2012 CES, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), January 10-13, 2012.

"Listening to music, whether individually or in a group setting, is one of the most personal and valued forms of entertainment," said Sangchul Lee, senior vice president, Samsung Electronics. "As the leader in home entertainment, we wanted to create products that are unique, highly-functional and beautifully designed, yet offer the crystal clear, rich sound that consumers can enjoy, regardless of the portable device they store their music on."

Previously only available in premium audio products, vacuum tubes amplifiers have been praised by audiophiles for producing more natural sounds, but these sounds were occasionally subject to distortion. Digital amplifiers deliver clear sound output, are more energy efficient and can fit into a smaller form factor. By combining the best of both, Samsung has achieved a technology breakthrough, thereby raising the bar in sound quality for mainstream audio products. The vacuum tube is used as in the pre-amplifier while the power amplifier uses digital technology so the audio dock is able to maintain its beautifully slim body.

The DA-E750 is the industry's first device with docking support for both Galaxy S smartphones as well as Apple iOS devices including iPods, iPhones, and even iPads via unique dual docking structure. The audio dock, which boasts a 2.1-channel speaker and powerful built-in subwoofer with 100 watts of sound, also offers analog (composite) input and a USB port to play audio files directly from a thumb drive, music player or portable hard drive. MP3, WMA and WAV file formats are supported.

In addition, the DA-E750 supports wireless audio file playback through AllShare® for Samsung Galaxy devices and Airplay for Apple devices, or via Bluetooth enabled devices for the ultimate in flexibility and convenience.

The elegant design of the DA-E750 exudes the highest level of sophistication – when in operation the vacuum tube inside the dock emits a warm, soft glow that accentuates the sleek, high gloss wood finish wood and adds a touch of luxury to the system.

Supreme Convenience and Sophisticated Simplicity

The Samsung DA-E670 Audio Dock for Galaxy S Smartphones, as well as Apple iOS devices. It is an easy-to-use audio dock that offers a superb listening experience while simultaneously charging the batteries of each device. With its compact footprint, the DA-E670 would be right at home in a living room, in a home office, or even in a bedroom, wherever music can be enjoyed while the devices charge.

The audio dock also delivers a powerful sound with built-in speakers that collectively output 40 watts of power and an integrated subwoofer that allows users to experience an enhanced bass response than what is available on conventional docking stations.

The assortment of features that accompany the DA-E670 include an auxiliary input and support for Bluetooth-enabled devices, audio support for MP3, WMA, WAV files from portable storage devices connected via USB. The DA-E670 also offers users a simple remote control. Like the DA-E750, the innovative DA-E670 supports both AllShare for Samsung devices and Airplay for Apple devices.

CES-specific information may be found at www.samsungces.com

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

· Samsung's 7.1 Channel Blu-ray 3D Home Theater System – the first home theater system that features Samsung's proprietary vacuum tube amplifier technology that combines both vacuum tubes and a digital amplifier into one unit to create a powerful entertainment experience (model HT-E6730W).

· Samsung's Wireless 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System – a home theater hub that delivers superior surround sound and explosive video quality in full HD 1080p for a complete entertainment experience (model HT-E5500W).

The new line of home theater systems will be on display at Samsung's booth #12004 in the Central Hall at the 2012 International CES, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), from January 10-13, 2012. The Samsung HT-E6730W also received a CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.

"Consumers want to recreate the quality, immersive movie theater experience at home so that they may enjoy this at any time with family and friends," said Sangchul Lee, senior vice president, Samsung Electronics. "Samsung is already acknowledged as a leading manufacturer of home theater systems that offer pristine audio and fully immersive HD video. We've raised the bar even higher this year with improved immersive audio sounds and unmatched picture quality so that they now have even more choices to get the best entertainment experience across multiple devices."

Breakthrough Technologies for Superior Sound and Movie Theater Quality Entertainment in the Home

There have been many discussions among audio enthusiasts over the benefits of digital and vacuum tube amplifiers. Many appreciated the pure sound that digital amplifiers deliver even in a small form factor, but felt that vacuum tube amplifiers create a richer and fuller sound.

In 2012, Samsung's breakthrough hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology offers the best of both worlds – the crystal clear sound quality from a digital amplifier with the warmer tone qualities of vacuum tubes. In addition, the vacuum tube offers an extra octave of sound without distortion.

Samsung's Crystal Amp Plus technology, available in the HT-E6730W and the HT-E5500W, offers pure digital audio playback and quality while also protecting the speakers and listeners from potentially harmful jumps in volume.

Samsung's flagship home theater systems also offer superior video experience. Both the HT-E6730W and HT-E5500W Home Theater Systems offer built-in WiFi for easy access to a new world of web-connected entertainment via a full web browser, as well as hundreds of premium apps from leading brands such as AOL, CNBC, ESPN, MTV, NBA and The Broadway Channel through Samsung Apps. Users can also choose and manage their social networks via popular services such as Facebook or Twitter.

Users are able to up-convert content from DVDs, streaming videos or connected media devices, such as portable players and cameras to full HD 1080p. Each home theater system employs a Samsung-developed system-on-a-chip (SoC), which has cutting-edge image quality enhancement algorithms, Samsung's video processor and scaler, and various high definition codecs.

Sleek Style and Sophistication for Visual Pleasure

For immersive depth and surround sound experience that would impress any audiophile, Samsung's HT-E6730W is a 1,330 watt 7.1-channel system that delivers outstanding high-definition audio and Samsung's unique 3D surround sound effect. The HT-E6730W's compact and streamlined tower speakers incorporate the front height speakers for a cleaner look. Users will enjoy a truly immersive vertical surround sound experience, thanks to innovative Swivel Speakers on the towers that can turn upwards so the sound will vertically cascade down on the listener. The rear satellite speakers are wireless to offer more flexibility in placement and eliminate the need to hide another set of wires.

Aesthetically, the HT-E6730W sleek appearance is enhanced by Samsung's vacuum tubes, which can be seen on the front and top of the system, and which illuminates when in use to create a touch of elegance. The glass fiber cones in the speakers improve sound quality and minimize distortion, for the ideal combination of style and performance. The combination of this innovative hybrid vacuum tube amplifier and the specially designed towers with front height speakers and wireless rear speakers create the best all-in-one solution for any home entertainment room.

Designed to complement the full line of Samsung's stylish HDTVs, the HT-E6730W has a midnight black, high gloss finish for an elegance that blends with other components in the room. The system consists of six speakers: a wide center channel speaker for clear dialogue, a large but unobtrusive subwoofer, two tower speakers which include embedded height channel speakers, and two surround speakers.

Unmatched Surround Sound and Video Quality

Users will be delighted with the enhanced entertainment experience and superb 2D and 3D content viewing offered by Samsung's HT-E5500W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System, thanks to new technologies that optimize audio and video, content options and performance upgrades.

This six-speaker 5.1 channel system offers a virtual 7.1 channel sound experience by using an advanced algorithm that analyzes the sound in the two rear speakers to create the effect of two additional channels of sound. The home theater system also features Samsung's new 3D Sound technology, which syncs the audio track of 3D content to match 3D motion on the screen and adds vertical 3D sound effects for a uniquely immersive visual and audio experience. The HT-E5500W's BD Wise Plus feature automatically adjusts the Samsung TV setting to provide optimal picture for each scenario.

With two HDMI 1.4a inputs, the HT-E5500W allows users to simply connect to a set-top box and a game console for easy access to content from all three devices. Additionally, the HT-E5500W boasts an Apple-certified iPod®/iPhone® dock so users can access their iTunes collections without a connector cable, thereby creating one of the most flexible home entertainment systems.

Users will also be able to access the innovative Disc to Digital feature in the Blu-ray player which enables users to turn eligible copies of their personal DVD collection into digital content. Once users register their ownership of movies, they will be able to access and view this content on multiple devices in the home and on the go, or upgrade their collection by purchasing HD quality versions of these movies.

Powerful 3D Depth and Surround Sound Capabilities

Users will have greater flexibility in the placement of their HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar with 3D Depth Sound – they can either place the sound bar horizontally below their TV or split the sound bar into two vertical speakers. By attaching each speaker to an included base, the soundbar can also morph into a traditional looking 2.1-channel system with half-tall speakers.

Those looking for a rich audio experience will be pleased with the outstanding sound quality and performance of the HW-E550.

In addition, the HW-E550 offers Smart Volume, an active audio monitoring system that prevents spikes in volume when TV channels or radio stations are changed. This not only protects the listeners' ears but also the soundbar's speakers, thereby ensuring extended usage of the device. The HW-E550 comes with six different settings – Movie, Game, Drama, Music, News and Sports – to deliver optimal sound quality according to the content of the video. Samsung's 3D Depth sound technology also synchronizes the audio to 3D images for some sense of depth and immersion so that users enjoy realistic, cinematic surround sound effects without the need for additional satellite speakers.

The HW-E550 is equipped with two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output so users can easily connect to Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and gaming consoles. Support for HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) puts audio data into the video connection and eliminates the need for separate audio cables. The HW-E550 is Bluetooth-enabled providing wireless playback of audio files from other Bluetooth devices. A USB port provides another connectivity option.

The sound bar is incredibly thin and sleek. Its main speaker weighs only 4 lbs and is easily wall-mountable, making it an ideal choice for fans of minimalist design or those who want to free up more space in their home entertainment room. With Samsung's proprietary dual band 5.2/5.8GHz wireless technology, wires are not required to link the speaker bar and the subwoofer. The subwoofer, which has a frequency response of 40Hz to 200Hz, can be placed anywhere in the room without any compromise.

CES-specific information may be found at www.samsungces.com

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com